Children council demands free male circumcision

The National Children’s Council (NCC) has urged government to offer free circumcision services to boys.The appeal was made during a meeting of child representatives from the Eastern Province in Rwamagana. The meeting was organised under the auspices of the 9th Children’s Summit.Children representatives said circumcision costs were too high to be met by poor families.Marcelle Gatsinzi, one of the participants, said many boys upcountry want to be circumcised, but cannot afford the charges.“Circumcision reduces the risk of catching HIV/Aids and promotes hygiene. But our parents cannot meet the cost of this procedure. We request the government to make it free,” he said.The vice-mayor in charge of social affairs in Kirehe District, Jacqueline Murekatete, said the community insurance scheme known as mutuelle de santé, does not cater for circumcision.“The children’s concerns are valid. The amount is too much for rural families that normally have many children,” she said.One needs at least Rwf10,000 to undergo the operation. The fee increases in case of post-circumcision complications.Recently Rwanda became the first country in the world to roll out “non-surgical” circumcision.The Minister of State for Community Development and Social Affairs, Dr. Alvera Mukabaramba, said the government is aware of the children’s concerns.“The fact that there is an increase in the number of people who demand the service is a success in itself because it shows that sensitisation on its importance has been successful. We shall ensure that the children access the service,” she said.The children representatives also requested for special consideration for their colleagues living with physical disabilities.“School environments are not conducive; no walking sticks for the lame and wheelchairs are rare. They need special attention, so as to live meaning full lives,” said Emmanuel Nshimiyimana.According to the recently conducted census, there are 500,000 handicapped people in the country.